Columbus, Ohio – July 6, 2010 – With the exemption process nearing completion for the 2010 Nationwide Children’s Hospital invitational, Brian Kelly – head golf professional at The Ohio State University Golf Club — along with Ohio State alumnus Zachary Sebert have accepted the two available unrestricted sponsor exemptions to join the field for the fourth edition of the prestigious invitational Tournament scheduled for July 19-25 at The Ohio State University Golf Club – Scarlet Course.

Kelly has more than 16 years of teaching experience and has continued to develop his training through Nicklaus/Flick Golf Schools and PGA teaching seminars. The Columbus native and former assistant professional at Muirfield Village Golf Club has competed through events with the Southern Ohio PGA, but said the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational will, “by far be the highest level of competition” he has faced.

“I am completely honored to receive this exemption,” said Kelly, who has been head pro at Ohio State for two years. “It’s very surreal – like an early Christmas present.

Equally challenging for Kelly will be balancing his head professional responsibilities at the club throughout Tournament week with his desire to perform at the highest level during competition.

“It will be busy, but worth every extra minute,” Kelly continued. “I definitely have first-hand knowledge of Scarlet; we’ll see if my ability comes out. It’s just a dream come true to play a Tour event – it’s hard to say it gets any better.”

A native of Grove City, Ohio, Sebert was a letter winner and co-captain as a member of The Ohio State University golf team. He finished first in the 2009 Franklin County Amateur, the 2007 Mid Ohio Golf Association Championship and the 2006 Eastern Ohio Amateur. Sebert also competed in the 2007 United States Amateur in San Francisco. Since turning professional in September of 2009 Sebert has recorded six top-10 finishes playing in the NGA Hooters Summer Series and Winter Series, including a victory in the Summer Series event at Walnut Creek Country Club in April, 2010.

“To gain an exemption into this event means a great deal to me,” Sebert said. “Especially growing up and playing here at The Ohio State University. I’ve been around this event since it started and it’s phenomenal. It’s an honor to compete with so many great golfers.”

The fourth annual Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational will feature a purse of $800,000, the fourth largest on the Nationwide Tour. The Golf Channel will broadcast 9½ hours of coverage from Thursday’s opening round to the trophy presentation on Sunday. The Invitational will be played July 19-25 at The Ohio State University Golf Club – Scarlet Course, rated as the top collegiate golf course in the country by Golf Digest. The tournament integrates the top professionals on the Nationwide Tour with the top players from the collegiate ranks to create a unique field of 144 of the best up and coming players in the United States.

For questions concerning ticket prices and availability, how to become a volunteer, and general Tournament information please call (614) 764-GOLF or visit www.nchigolf.com.